Route from Bilbao to Camposol.

I drove from Santander to Los Alcazares last September (a similar trip). In one go, with briefest of comfort/food stops it took just over 8 hours, to average 100kph. Depending on when you make the trip if it is still in crisis time there should be little traffic (but maybe the odd roadblock!). Biggest problem was Madrid, with the ring road signposting designed to utterly confuse. Remember to allow a good couple of hours before departure - especially as there will not be another one along shortly.

Best of luck, get all your travel documents ready, and I hope the ferry actually arrives!

Our ferry crossing has been cancelled until further notice by Brittany ferries.. personally I can't see us going to Spain at all this year .. with  Covid 19 still about can you.

Hi FF, we are hoping to make the journey as soon as the ferries are back on and the borders open, we currently have a booking for the end of May which we do think will be pushed back, but we can hope.

Paddy

Hi Peter, thanks for this, I had a route planned from Santander initially until our ferry was cancelled, and I agree about the signage around Madrid which I have noticed is very "busy" to say the least.

Its the return trip I need to have nailed down as I the ferry leaves at 15:30, I need to be there an hour before, I think I will be leaving around 4am to get there.

Paddy

If you want to allow for any hiccups - a puncture for example - you may want to consider breaking the journey and relaxing for a night in an hotel. We did this on the outbound journey (staying north of Madrid, just off the motorway) and it made the journey enjoyable instead of onerous.

I think it will be another year before things are running properly, so there is plenty time to plan!

Hi Paddy we book a ferry for the 19th of April ...to go out to Spain for a 2 months stay ...our trip still might happen later on in the year but as you know it's all down to the Covid 19 viruse..we are disappointed but atleast we are fit and well we have been contacted by Brittany ferries they said they would issue a voucher for a later date and would be in touch as soon as they had any news hope everything works out for yourself ..we have had a  Neptuno villa on D24 for 12 years and still enjoy Camposol ..you will need a car anywhere you choose to buy in Spain as having your own transport is essential ... Camposol is a good base and you will find that Spain has so much to offer in the way of days out and so forth.. have you considered booking a hotel to break the journey up as a 8 hr drive is a long time this is what we propose doing hotels in Spain a pretty cheap at around 50€ for two people.. good luck and enjoy .

I've driven the route many times but I always check the route on my satnav or the AA route planner a day or two before travel. They have the up-to-date road info and will give you distance and driving times. I usually then add a bit just in case, every trip is different.

I can recommend the Hotel Tudanca-Aranda II at Aranda del Duero for an overningt stop. Just off the motorway, petrol station close by and around 6 hours from home depending on how you navigate Madrid. Safe indoor car parking for a small charge which means you do not have to empty the car into your room for security!

Hi I have read the messages below and yes via Madrid is best I have done the trip to both Bilbao and Santander and there is a road that bypasses Madrid and it is easy but can not remember the number I think it is a letter then 70 but could be wrong but long as you get that road and miss Madrid it is easy  But sure ferries will not be running before June